NEW welfare regulations have been introduced for the WA pig industry, including new space requirements for pig enclosures.
The State Government is urging pork producers to familiarise themselves with the new set of animal welfare regulations.
The Animal Welfare (Pig Industry) Regulations 2010 provide for the welfare of commercially-kept pigs.
Key regulations include:
p New minimum space requirements for pig enclosures
p Six-week limit on the time a sow can be kept in a farrowing crate
p From 2017, a six-week limit on the time a pregnant sow can be confined in a sow stall.
The new regulations are derived from the Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Pigs 3rd Edition 2008.
Key elements of the code are being applied across Australia through the introduction of regulations in each jurisdiction.
Acting Local Government Minister Bill Marmion said the code reflected all States and Territories' desire to have a nationally consistent approach to the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare standards.
The Department of Local Government, which administers and enforces the Animal Welfare Act 2002, and the Agriculture and Food Department, worked together in drafting the new regulations.
Agricultural and Food Minister Terry Redman said the regulations followed from a national consultative process which involved peak pig industry bodies, including the WA Pork Producers' Association (WAPPA), and animal welfare groups.
"The national consultation process aims to ensure acceptable and agreed standards of livestock welfare are practised in Australia," Mr Redman said.
"The regulations seek to find a balance between providing for the pigs' health and welfare needs and the challenges faced by managers who, in many cases, are in charge of significant numbers of them."
Mr Marmion said the regulations reflected the State Government's determination to achieve high standards of animal welfare, including those in livestock industries.
A $2500 maximum penalty applies under the new regulations and come into effect immediately the regulations are gazetted.
